(2015) |  Useful to Parent Centers in addressing suspension and expulsion practices at the state and local levels.

Recent data indicate that expulsions and suspensions happen regularly in preschool settings. This is problematic, given that research indicates that these practices can influence a number of adverse outcomes across development, health, and education. Stark racial and gender disparities also exist in these practices, with young boys of color being suspended and expelled at much higher rates than other children in early learning programs.

ACF (The Administration for Children and Families) recently hosted a webinar series on suspension and expulsion in early childhood settings. The series features key experts from across the country who have done work on different aspects of the issue, including policy, research and data, and prevention/intervention. The webinars in the series are:

Expulsion Webinar 1 – Basic Research
Expulsion Webinar 2 – Policies
Expulsion Webinar 3 – Program Quality and Professional Development
Expulsion Webinar 4 – Using Data Systems

ACF also connects States and early childhood programs to free resources to support their efforts to prevent, limit, and ultimately eliminate expulsion and suspension practices in early learning settings. These connections include:

  • Resources for States
  • Resources for Early Childhood Programs
  • Resources for Families and Caregivers
  • Resources for Community Partners
  • Resources on Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
  • Resources on Positive Behavior Intervention and Support

All of these materials—webinars and connections to resources—are available on this page: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ecd/child-health-development/reducing-suspension-and-expulsion-practices

See also the joint policy statement on expulsion and suspension practices in early learning settings issued in 2014 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education:
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/policy-statement-on-expulsion-and-suspension-practices-in-early-learning-settings/